Kisumu: Journalists in Kisumu County marked this year's World Press Freedom Day 2026 with a blood donation and tree planting exercise. The scribes offered their own blood for patients at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) at the lakeside city, in a move aimed at addressing critical social needs while reflecting on challenges facing the profession.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative was organised by the Kisumu Journalists Network (KJN) in collaboration with JOOTRH's Blood Transfusion Unit and the Kenya Forest Service. The effort sought to help bridge persistent blood shortages in the region while promoting environmental conservation. Speaking during the event, KJN Chairman Rushdie Oudia emphasized the symbolic and practical nature of the activity, demonstrating that journalists can go beyond reporting to actively serve their communities.
'Today we gather not only to reflect on the challenges we have faced as journalists but also to give back to the community,' said Oudia. He highlighted concerns over journalists' safety, citing intimidation and interference from commercial interests and external actors, especially during the electioneering period. Oudia urged media practitioners to remain impartial while prioritising their safety.
He noted that journalists have witnessed hostile campaigns and rising cases of violence. Oudia called on media professionals to support each other and encouraged politicians to uphold peace and avoid using youths to cause chaos. He also urged security agencies to remain neutral when handling volatile situations and encouraged journalists to think beyond the newsroom by investing in sustainable livelihoods.
The commemoration aligns with the global theme 'A Press for the Planet', which emphasises the media's role in advancing environmental sustainability alongside its traditional watchdog function. Media Council of Kenya Regional Coordinator Teddy Evans remarked that the day offers an opportunity for journalists to reflect on both external and internal threats to press freedom. Evans pointed out that press freedom concerns include attacks from politicians and internal challenges such as delayed or non-payment of journalists by media houses.
The event also featured a tree planting exercise led by Kisumu County Forest Conservator Joseph Kemei, who raised concern over the county's low tree cover. Kemei urged the public to support the government's ambitious 15 billion trees initiative, noting that the county's tree cover currently stands between eight and 12 per cent, while forest cover is about 22 per cent.
At JOOTRH, health officials welcomed the exercise, noting that blood donation drives spearheaded by influential groups help demystify the process and encourage wider public participation. Acting Chief Executive Officer Joshua Clinton Okise stated that the donations would significantly support critical services, particularly in the hospital's maternity and emergency units. He highlighted that as a level six facility, the demand for blood remains high.
Dozens of units were collected during the exercise, which organisers described as a value-addition approach where journalists not only highlight societal challenges but also take part in solving them. The initiative underscored a shifting role for the media, positioning journalists not just as observers but as active participants in community development.